SP 41 – Episode 41 – My First Ethics Class – In Search of the Still Point with Dr. Regis Martin – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 41 – My First Ethics Class

Discerning Hearts is honored to host the reflections of Dr. Regis Martin. Filled with profound insights, wisdom, and joy, he is one of the most trustworthy guides one can have on the spiritual journey.

For years Regis Martin, STD, has been regaling audiences about the mysteries of God and Church, most especially his students at Franciscan University of Steubenville where he teaches theology. Author of half-dozen or more books, including The Suffering of Love (Ignatius, 2006), The Last Things (Ignatius Press, 2011), Still Point (Ave Maria, 2012), The Beggar’s Banquet (Emmaus Road, 2012), Witness to Wonder (Emmaus Road, 2017) his work frequently appears in Crises and The Catholic Thing.

Pentecost, Renewal, and the Nature of True Repentance – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts podcast

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Msgr. Esseff reflects on the first Pentecost and its meaning for us today. The continuing call to conversion in our lives and the nature of true repentance are topics he explores in this discussion.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders.

SP 40 – Episode 40 – Everyman an Exile… – In Search of the Still Point with Dr. Regis Martin – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 40 – Everyman an Exile…Homesick for Another Country

SP 39 – Episode 39 – Homage to the Holy Trinity – In Search of the Still Point with Dr. Regis Martin – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 39 – Homage to the Holy Trinity

SP 38 – Episode 38 – From Caterpillar to Butterfly – In Search of the Still Point with Dr. Regis Martin – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 38 – From Caterpillar to Butterfly

SP 37 – Episode 37 – The Story of the Hazelnut – In Search of the Still Point with Dr. Regis Martin – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 37 – The Story of the Hazelnut

SCS7 – “Stages” in the Spiritual LIfe – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Episode 7 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott

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In this episode, Fr. McDermott aids in our understanding of St. Catherine’s teachings on the “stages” of our spiritual life.

What is the proper understanding of grace and sharing in the Divine Life. Good feelings, consolations, joy are experiences during the second step on the “Christ-Bridge”. The concern of “falling in love more with the gifts rather than with the Giver” is discussed. The danger of spiritual gluttony and pride, as well as the need to care for one’s neighbor are essential elements in St. Catherine’s teachings. Fr. McDermott also reflects on her teachings about the Divine Fire and gift of Tears.

Fr. Thomas McDermott, OP is Regent of Studies for the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great and is the author of “Catherine of Siena: Spiritual Development in Her Life and Teaching” (Paulist, 2008) and “Filled with all the Fullness of God: An Introduction to Catholic Spirituality”. He obtained a doctorate in spiritual theology from the Angelicum and taught for several years at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. He crrently serves as pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer, in Chicago, IL.

St.-Catherine-of-Siena-book — Our series is based on “Catherine of Siena”
by Fr. McDermott

SCS8 – Perfect Love and Perfect Union – St. Catherine of Siena with Fr. Thomas McDermott O.P.

Episode 8 St. Catherine of Siena: Her Life and Teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott

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In this final episode, Fr. McDermott discuss the final step of the spiritual life which is actually comprised of two stages: “perfect love” and “perfect union”. On the “Christ-Bridge” we find ourselves with St. Catherine at the “mouth” of Christ which corresponds to the first chapter of the “Song of Songs”. Fr. McDermott expands on St. Catherine’s teachings on the role we have as sons and daughters of the Father.

Fr. McDermott then offers a summation of St. Catherine’s teachings as a conclusion for our discussions.